Graue Mill & Museum - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Fullersburg Woods, is a picturesque nature preserve full of lush forestry and wildlife. The preserve's 500 acres feature a variety of trees and shrubbery, including oak-hickory woods, black walnut-white ash woods, and dense woodbands. The sights and sounds of nature are around every corner as visitors can enjoy the songbirds, warblers, and more that thrive there. Hiking trails provide access to the diverse topography of Fullersburg Woods.

The Mayslake Peabody Estate is a historic building that dates back to the 19th century. Originally built as a private estate for coal-baron Francis Stuyvesant Peabody, it was renovated and opened as a public facility in the 1990s. Today, visitors can explore more than 87 acres of old-growth oak woodland and enjoy plenty of amenities like nature trails and an arboretum. This grand estate also offers exquisite architecture in its main manor house along with other charming buildings.

Brookfield Zoo, is an outdoor recreation destination for the whole family. From the towering lions to the adorable lemurs, Brookfield Zoo is a great way to spend a day. There are over 450 species of animals exhibited across 200 acres of wooded landscape giving visitors plenty to explore. Brookfield Zoo offers interactive experiences such as animal encounters, zookeeper talks, and educational presentations which make it unique among other zoos across the country.

The Chicago Zoological Society is a renowned wildlife conservation center that is home to over 2,300 animals and 450 different species. Since its formation in the 1920s, the zoo has been committed to caring for animals, educating visitors about wildlife conservation, providing research opportunities for scientists, and participating in species reintro-duction programs. Along with housing many unique species from around the world, the zoo also hosts a myriad of events throughout the year.

The Elmhurst Park District offers a stunning collection of parks and recreational opportunities. Spanning hundreds of acres, visitors enjoy 26 unique community parks, 4 playgrounds and 3 separate dog parks for their four-legged friends. In addition to these attractions, there are also several lakes, athletic fields, tennis courts and an aquatic center all within the park district's boundaries.

The Illinois Prairie Path is a scenic 61-mile trail of crushed limestone spanning DuPage County. It was the first rails-to-trails conversion in the nation and has become a local favorite for both visitors and locals. Almost 70% of the path winds through forest preserves, nature centers, parks, and wetlands. It offers spectacular scenery ranging from wildflowers in bloom to colorful autumn foliage, making it a great spot for sightseeing year-round.